Chapter 1973: Meeting the Appointment

Seeing his solemn and slightly irritated expression, Chu Huanzhao and her sister playfully stuck out their tongues, not daring to stir up any more trouble. Sang Qian and Zheng Dan, not wanting to appear as shrewish women to Zu An, naturally ceased their bickering as well.

Xie Daoyun, on the other hand, seemed a little dazed. She had been so focused on Big Brother Zu that she had forgotten how many female confidantes he had. Last time she met Chu Chuyan, Pei Mianman, and Qiu Honglei; this time it was others, making her feel quite overwhelmed.

Zu An then closed the door and slowly recounted the events that had transpired at Shadowmoon Lake.

“Ah?” Each of the girls gasped in astonishment, completely forgetting their previous squabbles.

“The Heart-Devouring Demonic Spider can parasitize humans, so you must be extremely careful not to be unwittingly infected by it,” Zu An stated gravely. “Furthermore, you can no longer venture into the wilderness alone as frequently as before, as there’s no telling if you might unluckily stumble upon one of those demonic spatial rifts.”

“Oh, so we can’t go anywhere or do anything anymore? Life will be so dull!” While the others were still visibly worried, Chu Huanzhao remained the most nonchalant.

Sang Qian retorted crossly, “This is a grave matter where the entire world could be at stake, and you’re still thinking about playing around?”

“You!” Chu Huanzhao flared up, but for a moment, she couldn't find a retort.

It was Chu Youzhao, standing nearby, who couldn’t bear it anymore and spoke up for her: “What she said is indeed true. Many people in this world have cultivation levels even lower than Second Sister’s; how could they possibly think so far ahead?”

Zheng Dan raised an eyebrow, a keen eagerness flickering in her eyes.

Seeing the two sides on the verge of another argument, Zu An felt a headache coming on. “Enough! The public’s reaction is indeed an issue, but we can’t afford to focus on that right now. We must first locate those spatial rifts and eliminate all the demons that have already invaded. As for everything else, we’ll take it one step at a time.”

“Oh, and by the way, what happened today should be kept strictly confidential among yourselves. Don’t spread it around, or it will trigger widespread panic.” Zu An knew perfectly well that such an admonition would likely have little effect. Just as he would inform his close acquaintances, they would undoubtedly caution their parents and siblings upon returning home. Those who were present at Shadowmoon Lake would also surely alert their own family members upon their return, making it impossible to keep this matter a secret.

However, such a localized dissemination was harmless, as it would be confined to the capital’s upper echelons. By the time the news reached the public, a period of time would have already passed. This period would serve as a buffer, allowing them to mentally prepare the populace and ease them into the reality, rather than shocking them with news of the world’s impending doom.

The girls all readily agreed. Zu An then took the opportunity to remind them to focus on their cultivation in the coming period, emphasizing that only by improving their personal strength would they stand a greater chance of survival in the tumultuous changes ahead.

Even Chu Huanzhao, typically the most carefree, nodded solemnly. Of course, in the past, she would have completely lost interest at the mention of cultivation, having been a slacker in practice for so many years and reluctant to face further setbacks. However, with her brother-in-law's strenuous efforts to help her expand her meridians, coupled with the existence of the Marrow Cleansing Pill, she instantly felt capable again.

Crucially, in recent days, she had discovered that during cultivation, many previously incomprehensible aspects had become intuitive, and her progress was significantly faster than before. She could feel a noticeable increase in vital energy after just an hour of cultivation. Previously, her vital energy wouldn’t even change after a month of practice, so how could her restless nature ever settle down to cultivate? But now everything was different, and it was all thanks to her brother-in-law. He had helped her grow, ensuring her vital energy circulated more smoothly. Her brother-in-law was truly wonderful.

Subsequently, the girls reluctantly took their leave. Zheng Dan and Sang Qian had originally intended to have a private word with Zu An, but under everyone's watchful eyes, they were too embarrassed to remain and so had to depart first to accompany Sisi. The other girls, moreover, eyed each other like rivals, perhaps only Murong Qinghe possessed a simpler disposition. It was only after confirming that everyone had departed that each of them let out a sigh of satisfied relief. While none of them could remain, it was somewhat reassuring that the other "vixens" hadn’t either.

Ultimately, Zu An was left feeling utterly dejected. It truly was a case of “too many cooks spoil the broth.” If things continued this way, it would likely be difficult going forward. His biggest mistake, he realized, was probably letting them all live together, a lesson he vowed to learn from.

He stepped out to the lotus pond, intending to cultivate and meditate there. Having absorbed the War Priest’s cultivation, he felt a lingering unrest within his body that he still needed to thoroughly refine and integrate. It must be said that the elemental energy of heaven and earth in the location chosen by the old High Priest was truly abundant, making cultivation twice as effective with half the effort. It was a shame that this once tranquil place had recently been filled with a flock of beauties he had attracted. It was truly a transgression; he vowed to live a more ascetic life from now on. It was a good opportunity to meditate and cultivate on the large rock by the lotus pond today, allowing the academy disciples down the mountain to witness the brilliant and majestic image of their new High Priest. If even I am diligently cultivating so late, how could they possibly not strive harder?

Just as he sat down, his gaze fell upon the brightly lit imperial palace in the distance, and his heart stirred as he remembered his earlier agreement with Bi Linglong. Hmm, it wouldn't be too late to inspire the students tomorrow. With a thought, his figure vanished.

Meanwhile, in the Crown Princess’s chambers within the Eastern Palace, Bi Linglong was seated before her mirror, primping. Rong Mo, while combing her hair, asked curiously, “Madam, you’ve just finished bathing; shouldn’t you be going to bed to rest? Why the sudden need to primp? Are you going out at this late hour?” She couldn’t help but marvel at her mistress’s peerless beauty. Fresh from her bath, Bi Linglong’s delicate skin still gleamed faintly with moisture, emitting an enchanting halo under the candlelight. Her complexion was truly enviable.

“I just had a sudden whim; is there anything wrong with wanting to look pretty?” Bi Linglong wrinkled her delicate nose and lightly scoffed.

“Alright, alright,” Rong Mo said, suddenly suppressing a smile. “But I suspect you’re preparing to meet the Regent King, aren’t you?”

“Oh, Mo Mo, you’re getting bolder and bolder! You even dare to tease me now.” Bi Linglong placed her hands on her hips, feigning a hint of annoyance.

“Hehe, did I guess correctly?” Having grown up with her, Rong Mo naturally knew she wasn't truly angry.

“Oh, you’re asking for it! I’ll tear your mouth off!”

“Oh, Madam, mercy!”

The two then began to playfully chase each other around the room. The palace maids outside heard the cheerful laughter from within and each wore an envious expression, thinking, “Sister Mo Mo and the Crown Princess truly have a wonderful relationship. We wouldn’t dare to be so informal.”

Just then, a gentle breeze swept through, and one of the palace maids rubbed her eyes. Another maid beside her looked on in confusion. “What’s wrong?”

“I thought I saw a figure just now, but perhaps I didn’t.”

“You must be seeing things. The imperial palace is heavily guarded, with defensive formations everywhere, and the Eastern Palace is paramount. With so many guards outside, how could anyone slip in? And don’t speak such nonsense. If someone from another palace overhears you, who knows what rumors they might spread.”

“You’re right, sister. You’re absolutely right.”

Unknown to them, there was indeed an additional figure within the Crown Princess’s chambers.

Bi Linglong was in the midst of playfully chasing Rong Mo when she suddenly stumbled into a warm embrace. She was startled at first, but upon recognizing the familiar scent, she instantly relaxed. “You… why are you here?”

Rong Mo, standing by, rolled her eyes at this. Just moments ago, who was it that had bathed fragrantly and was meticulously primping, only to now pretend ignorance of his arrival? Hmph, women!

“I missed you.” Zu An, of course, wouldn’t spoil the mood by mentioning they had only arranged this meeting at Copper Gong Mountain that afternoon.

Rong Mo shivered, goosebumps rising on her arms as she rubbed them. “Tsk, tsk, tsk, those imperial palace guards should all be executed. Their defenses are as flimsy as paper. But then, who would ever imagine the invincible Regent King would sneak in at midnight for a clandestine rendezvous?” Perhaps it was due to their frequent bickering when he first entered the Eastern Palace, but despite him now being the formidable Regent King, she harbored little fear of him.

Bi Linglong flushed deeply upon hearing this, but Zu An simply chuckled. “Mo Mo, I’ve been refining pills recently, and I accidentally created some that can grant eternal youth. Would you like to try them?”

“Oh, you’re being so generous?” Rong Mo eyed him with a hint of suspicion, but was clearly intrigued.

“However, this concoction currently has one minor side effect.”

“What side effect is that?”

“You’ll be unable to speak for the rest of your life if you take it.”

“I knew it,” Rong Mo mumbled. “Alright, I’m clearly superfluous here. I’ll just go.”

Bi Linglong also realized Zu An was deliberately teasing her and couldn’t help but smile, lightly playfully punching his chest.

Zu An smiled and told Rong Mo, “There’s no need. You can stay here and keep watch.” With that, he scooped up Bi Linglong and flew out the window, soaring straight into the clouds.

Rong Mo watched their disappearing figures with wide eyes. “How… daring!” Finally, she turned to face the empty bedchamber, letting out a soft sigh. In a barely audible murmur, she whispered, “Did you really want to silence me that badly? I only wanted to speak a few more words with you…”

Meanwhile, Bi Linglong was utterly tense, clutching her lover tightly. “Why… why did we fly up here?” She had originally intended to entertain him properly in her chambers. With Rong Mo providing cover, the bedchamber was arguably the safest place. Now, the cold wind was biting, and critically, there was no cover around them. With the imperial palace directly below, she felt utterly exposed and insecure.

Zu An lightly kissed her earlobe and whispered something into her ear.

Bi Linglong's neck immediately flushed scarlet. “I… I was just joking.”

“But I took you seriously,” Zu An said, embracing her, his fingers gently caressing her swan-like neck.

“But we could be seen!” Bi Linglong was genuinely panicked. The imperial palace teemed with experts, and specific individuals were tasked with monitoring aerial defenses. If they were spotted, she would be utterly disgraced.

“Don’t worry, they won’t see us.” Zu An waved his hand, and several flags began to spin around them. Soon, a faint, shimmering array enveloped the two. “This formation blocks external vision. Now, only you can see the imperial palace; no one from down there can see us here.”

Bi Linglong’s face grew even redder. Remembering her earlier thought of making it up to him, her tone became less resolute. “But in the air, how could we possibly…”

“It’s fine; I’ll teach you,” Zu An said, turning her back to him. He then guided her slender arms, leading her to bend over and gaze down at the brightly lit imperial palace below. “You can take this opportunity to truly admire the palace from this unique perspective.”

“You rogue.”